Germany Travel Budget Guide

Want to see Germany but worried about spending too much? Don’t stress! Germany, while close in price to cities like Paris and London, can actually be budget-friendly and full of variety. From the lively vibe of Berlin to fairy-tale castles in Bavaria and the peaceful Black Forest, there’s a lot to do that won’t empty your bank account. This guide shows you what things cost, how to save, and how to get the most out of your trip across this interesting country.

Basics of Budgeting for a Trip to Germany

Typical Daily Costs for Travelers

It’s helpful to know what you might spend in a day. On average, expect to spend about $207 (€177) each day. This includes about $77 (€66) for food, $28 (€24) for public transport, and $175 (€149) for a hotel room for two (which is $87 or €75 per person if you share). These are just averages, and your own spending could be higher or lower depending on where and how you travel.

If you’re traveling solo, plan on about €179 per day. That breaks down into €70 for your share of a double hotel room, €27 for getting around, €39 for food, and €43 for activities. Remember, these costs can change depending on your choices and how much you look for deals or budget tricks.

How to Plan Your Germany Budget

Think about your travel style-do you like saving money, or do you want more comfort? Some people love hostels and street food, while others prefer private rooms and nice dinners. Knowing what you like helps you plan:

• Budget Travelers (~$84/€72 per day): Hostels, cheap meals, public transport or walking, and free sights.
• Mid-Range Travelers (~$208/€177 per day): Budget hotels or private hostel rooms, taxis sometimes, and some paid activities.
• Luxury Travelers ($500/€427+ per day): High-end hotels, fancy meals, and private tours.

Decide which group you belong to, and base your trip spending on that.

Currency, Paying Methods, and Usual Prices

Germany uses the Euro (€). Unlike some other countries, cash is still common-especially in smaller shops, cafes, and restaurants. Always have some euros with you, and withdraw cash from ATMs at airports or train stations. Card payments are growing but aren’t everywhere yet, so don’t rely only on cards. Here are example prices to help you plan:

• Coffee: €2.50-€3.50
• Sandwich: €4.50-€8
• Dinner for two with drinks: €50-€60
• Pint of beer: €4-€6

Costs are usually higher in big cities than in small towns, so adjust your budget if you’re spending time in different regions.

Cheapest Times to Visit Germany

Your travel dates matter! Summer (late June-late August) is most expensive and busiest. December can also be costly because of Christmas markets, and Oktoberfest in Munich (mid-September to early October) means higher prices too.

The best time for savings is during “shoulder seasons” (April-May and September-October, except during Oktoberfest) or “low season” (November-March, except around Christmas). Prices for travel and hotels drop, crowds are smaller, and the weather can still be nice. Early June, early September (before Oktoberfest), and mid-November are good for savings and fewer tourists.

Main Germany Travel Expenses

How to Get Around: Transport and Fares

Germany’s public transport is easy to use. Cities have good buses and trams-usually cheap, but each city has its own fares. In Berlin, a single S-Bahn/U-Bahn ride costs about €3.50, a 24-hour pass is €9.90, and a 7-day pass is €41.50. City discount cards, like the Munich Card or Frankfurt Card, can save money if you use local transport often and want discounts at sights.

For longer trips between cities, trains are very good but can be expensive if not booked ahead. Book early to get much cheaper prices. For example, Munich to Berlin can cost €69.90 one way, but booking early saves a lot. Flixbus offers much cheaper rides, though it’s slower-a Berlin to Munich bus costs as low as €20-€22. BlaBlaCar for ridesharing is also usually €20-€25 between cities. Bikes are popular in cities, with daily rentals around €15-€25. Renting a car starts at €30 a day but isn’t usually needed in big cities due to good public transport.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Choices and Prices

Your biggest expense may be your accommodation. Options fit all budgets. Germany started the youth hostel concept, so you’ll find lots of them across the country.

• Hostels (Budget): Dorm beds cost €30-€35 per night (can be higher in popular cities or summer, up to €50). Private hostel rooms range from €80-€110.
• Mid-Range Hotels: Centrally located and clean hotels cost €110-€170 per night.
• Luxury Accommodation: Starts at €200 a night and can be much higher, especially in towns like Dusseldorf or Fussen.

During peak times, prices can rise up to 50%. For lower costs, stay outside busy city centers or try housesitting. Book through sites like Booking.com or HostelWorld to find deals.

Food and Drink Costs

German food is filling and simple-think schnitzel, pork, sausages, pretzels, and cheese noodles. You can eat well on a budget:

• Supermarkets let you buy a liter of milk for €1, eggs for €2.50, and bread for €1.80. Wine (mid-range) is about €7, and a 500ml beer is about €1.50.
• Street food like sausages or doner kebabs (originally from Germany!) are just a few euros each, great for lunch or a late snack.
• Sit-down breakfast: €5-€9; big breakfast: ~€14; lunch (main hot meal in Germany): €25-€30; dinner (lighter, with bread and sausage): ~€14; coffee and cake in the afternoon: €6-€10.
• Drinks: Cocktails in mid-range bars: €8-€12; glass of wine or beer: around €6. Local beer at a pub: €3-€4 a pint is cheapest. Tipping is usually 10-15% if you’re happy with service.

Sightseeing and Activity Prices

Germany is full of things to do, with activities averaging about $33 (€28) per person per day, though this depends on what you choose. Some highlights:

• Castles: Neuschwanstein Castle-€20.50 (book in advance), Heidelberg Palace-€9 + €6 for the interior tour.
• Free sights: Berlin Wall (East Side Gallery), Oktoberfest entry (beer costs up to €15), Christmas markets, public parks, and many walking tours (but tip your guide).
• Museums sometimes offer free admission on special days-always check their schedules.

Travel Costs by City and Region in Germany

Price Comparison: Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg

• Berlin: Cheapest big city for travelers. Hostel beds €25-€40, hotels for two from €90, food and drinks are good value. Lots of free attractions.
• Munich: More expensive, especially during festivals. Hostel beds €28+, mid-range hotels €150-€200+. Free parks and squares help balance the cost.
• Frankfurt: Prices vary, with some mid-range hotels at €160-€170. Less touristy activities than Berlin, but also less expensive in some categories.
• Hamburg: Hostel beds from €23, mid-range hotels €96-€120. Many free parks and canals; nightlife and food can match Munich’s prices in areas.

In general, Berlin offers the most for your money, while Munich can be much pricier, especially during busy times. Frankfurt and Hamburg are in the middle.

Costs in Small Towns and Rural Areas

Outside big cities, you might expect things to be cheaper, but sometimes, fewer options mean accommodation can be similar in price or only a bit lower. These areas do offer great savings on entertainment-outdoor activities like hiking are usually free. Food can cost less if you eat at small bakeries or family-run spots and avoid tourist places. Local transport may be limited, but regional train or group tickets help your budget. Renting a car might add flexibility but consider fuel costs. Trips that focus on the countryside-especially if you walk, hike, or cook your own meals-can save a lot of money.

Example Germany Travel Budgets by Trip Style

• Backpacker Budget: Daily: $84 (€72), Weekly: $588 (€504). Stay in hostels/campsites or Couchsurfing, rely on supermarkets and street food, public transport or buses.
• Mid-range Traveler: Daily: $208 (€177), Weekly: $1,456 (€1,239). Private hostel rooms or budget hotels, a mix of eating in and out, and a few paid attractions.
• Luxury Traveler: Daily: $500 (€427) or more, Weekly: $3,500 (€2,989) or more. High-end hotels, gourmet dining, private transport. Focused on maximum comfort and convenience.

Saving Money While Traveling in Germany

Tips for Cheap Flights

1. Flexible dates save money-avoid peak summer, Christmas, and Oktoberfest. Check prices over a month to find cheaper days.
2. Try flying into Frankfurt, which often has cheaper international flights. Connecting to your destination by train or bus can cut costs.
3. Use search engines like Skyscanner or Secret Flying to find deals, including special airline sales.
4. If coming from North America, sometimes it’s cheaper to fly into another big European city, then use a budget airline or train to Germany.
5. Book a few months ahead for better rates, but booking too early or last-minute can be more expensive.
6. Flying on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday can be cheaper, and out-of-peak times (early morning/late night) often cost less.

How to Find Cheap Accommodation

1. Hostels are your friend-dorm beds €30-€35, private rooms €80-€110. Use HostelWorld for the best selection.
2. Airbnb apartments: Sometimes cheaper than a hostel, especially if you cook for yourself. Prices range from €55-€200.
3. Budget hotel chains like Ibis Budget or Motel One are reliable and often good value.
4. Try housesitting (Trusted Housesitters) for free stays if you’re flexible. Camping is another cheap option at €10-€23 per person per night.
5. Couchsurfing is free and a great way to meet locals.
6. Staying outside the center saves money-use public transport to get around easily.
7. Pick places with free breakfast for extra savings.

Getting the Best Value on Transport

1. Buy city passes or day/weekly tickets if you plan to use public transport often-usually from €9-€12 per day or €30-€45 per week.
2. Walk or rent a bike-many cities are compact and bike-friendly. Bike rental €15-€25 a day.
3. Book trains well in advance for big savings, using the Deutsche Bahn site or Trainline.
4. Regional group tickets like the Bayern Ticket are good deals for exploring certain areas-€29 for unlimited travel in Bavaria for one day, and cheaper with more people.
5. Long-distance buses (Flixbus) are much cheaper than trains for intercity trips.
6. Ridesharing with BlaBlaCar is cheap and often faster than a bus.
7. Skip taxis and rideshares for daily travel-they’re usually much pricier than buses and trains.
8. Germany’s tap water is safe-bring a bottle and fill up instead of buying bottled water.

Eating Cheap in Germany

1. Shop at supermarkets for bread, cheese, meats, and produce. Make your own meals for less.
2. Try street food: bratwurst, currywurst, and doner kebab are tasty and cheap (€3-€5).
3. Look for Turkish and Middle Eastern food, especially in big cities-meals often cost €5-€10.
4. Many restaurants have discounted weekday lunch menus (Mittagsangebote)-get a good meal for €10-€14.
5. Carry snacks with you to avoid paying high prices at convenience stores or tourist spots.
6. If your accommodation has a kitchen, make your own breakfasts and some dinners for further savings.
7. Enjoy coffee and cake (“Kaffee und Kuchen”) in the afternoon (€6-€10)-a fun German custom.
8. Buy alcohol at supermarkets for much less than in bars. Stick with local draft beer in bars for the best prices there.

Things to Do for Free or Cheap

1. See famous historic sites for free, like the Berlin Wall or city squares.
2. Visit parks and open spaces-perfect for relaxing, walking, or picnics.
3. Go on free walking tours in most big cities (but leave a tip).
4. Wander around Christmas Markets in winter-entrance is free, but snacks and drinks cost extra.
5. Enjoy hiking Germany’s forests, mountains, and trails-completely free!
6. Stroll around and people-watch in busy neighborhoods and old towns.
7. Check if museums offer free entry on certain days or evenings.
8. Attend free festivals and city events, which often have music and activities.
9. Visit beautiful churches and cathedrals-entry is often free.

City Passes, Discount Cards, and Train Deals

• City Tourism Cards: Offer free transport, free or discounted entry to attractions, and savings at restaurants. Examples: Munich Card (€18.90/24h), Frankfurt Card (€12/24h).
• German Rail Pass: Unlimited train rides for non-EU tourists over a set period. Good if you want lots of flexibility.
• Regional Day Passes: Like the Bayern Ticket-one-day unlimited train use in one federal state, from €29.
• BahnCard: Good for frequent travelers, offers 25-100% discounts for a year.
• Eurail/Interrail Pass: Use if you plan to travel between lots of European countries.
• Student Discounts: Always carry your student ID for museum or meal bargains.

Budget Travel Mistakes in Germany

Overpaying for Transport or Accommodation

1. Don’t buy long-distance train tickets last minute, or you’ll pay much more. Book early for the best price.
2. Always check if a regional travel pass is cheaper than individual tickets, especially for day-trips with friends or family.
3. Taxis and rideshares are much more expensive than public transport-use them only if you have no other choice.
4. Staying just outside city centers can save a lot, and getting around is usually quick and easy with public transport.
5. Compare all types of accommodation-sometimes Airbnb or hostel private rooms are better value than a hotel.
6. Consider housesitting or Couchsurfing for free places to stay.
7. If visiting during busy times (like Oktoberfest or Christmas), book accommodation well in advance to get a good price.

Hidden Costs and Tourist Traps

1. You almost never get free tap water in German restaurants-bottled water costs extra. Fill a bottle from your hotel or buy beer instead if it’s cheaper.
2. Many places, especially small businesses, still don’t accept cards, so carry cash for small purchases.
3. At festivals (like Oktoberfest), entry is often free but food, drinks, and souvenirs can quickly add up-set a budget before you go.
4. Souvenir shops often have inflated prices-look for better deals away from main tourist sites.
5. Many great attractions, parks, and museums are free-don’t pay for things you can see on your own.
6. Avoid booking expensive tours for places you can visit yourself for much less.
7. Add tips into your restaurant budget-about 10-15% for good service.

Culture Tips to Help You Save

1. It’s normal to walk around with a beer from a shop-this is cheaper than drinking at bars.
2. Shop at food markets for ingredients if you want to prepare your own meals and save money.
3. In many restaurants, seat yourself-no need to wait for a host. Sometimes you’ll share a table with others.
4. Lunchtime is when many Germans eat their main meal, and many places have big discounts on lunch menus.
5. Knowing a few German words can lead to friendly service and sometimes better experience in small places.
6. University areas usually have many cheap bars, cafes, and eateries.
7. Public events, concerts, and festivals in Germany are often free-take advantage of these cultural experiences at no cost!

Frequently Asked Questions About Germany Travel Costs

Is Germany Expensive for Tourists?

Germany is usually in the middle range for price in Western Europe. It’s not as cheap as Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia, but you get good value for your money, especially when compared with places like Switzerland, London, or Paris. With smart planning, you can visit on a tight budget, spend more for comfort, or go all out for luxury.

How Much Should I Budget for a Week in Germany?

• Backpacker: $588 (€504) for seven days.
• Mid-range: $1,456 (€1,239) for a week.
• Luxury: $3,500 (€2,989) or more per week.

For two people, double those numbers, though shared rooms can make the cost a bit less per person.

Can I Travel in Germany on a Tight Budget?

Yes, Germany is great for those who need to watch their spending. Here’s how:

• Stay in hostels, campsites, or Couchsurfing.
• Cook your own meals or eat street food.
• Use public transport and long-distance buses for intercity travel.
• Enjoy free sights, walking tours, and natural beauty.
• Travel outside the busiest seasons for the best prices.
• Buy beer and wine from supermarkets.

All this means spending around $84 (€72) per day is very possible, especially in budget-friendly cities like Berlin.